Path of Exile 2: Grenade-Powered ‘Dual Herald’ Build Takes Early Season by Storm
Path of Exile 2 players are buzzing about a newly optimized build that’s proving surprisingly effective in the current season. Forget complex, expensive setups – a ‘Dual Herald’ build centered around armor breaking and, crucially, grenades, is emerging as a frontrunner for players looking to maximize damage output without breaking the bank. This isn’t just another build guide; it’s a shift in early-season strategy, and we’re breaking down everything you need to know.
The Rise of Grenades and the ‘Dual Herald’ Synergy
The creator of this build, a dedicated Path of Exile player, openly admits a preference for grenade-based strategies, starting with one each season. This time, however, it’s not just a personal preference; it’s a viable path to power. The build revolves around the ‘Dual Herald’ concept – specifically, the Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder – working in tandem to exploit armor vulnerabilities. The key? The explosive power of grenades to rapidly strip enemy armor, triggering a chain reaction of damage amplification.
Unlike previous seasons that relied on expensive Surge + Lightning setups, this build leverages the cold energy of the Herald of Ice to trigger the Herald of Thunder, creating a devastating area-of-effect explosion. It’s a clever workaround that significantly reduces the currency investment required to achieve high DPS.
How it Works: Infinite CC and Armor Destruction
At its core, the build operates on three key mechanics: infinite crowd control (CC), armor destruction, and freeze accumulation. The Tactician Ascendancy node is crucial, providing a pinning effect that immobilizes enemies. This is followed by a freeze, creating a continuous cycle of Pin → Freeze → Pin, ensuring enemies are consistently vulnerable. While some players are experimenting with removing the pinning component for a more streamlined approach, the creator recommends maintaining both for increased survivability.
The real magic happens when the Herald of Ice’s armor-breaking explosions trigger the Herald of Thunder. A weapon modifier that converts damage to physical damage is essential for maximizing this effect. This creates a cascading effect of Freeze (CC) + Armor Destruction (Increased Damage Taken), allowing players to melt through both single targets and dense packs of enemies.
Skill Gems and Equipment: What You’ll Need
The primary skill is ‘Permafrost Bolts,’ chosen for its high cold damage conversion and improved penetration capabilities. Secondary skills include ‘Emergency Reload’ (though recently updated to include ‘Hailstorm’ for boss battles) and ‘Mark of Freeze’ for single-target encounters. Auras and buffs are critical, with ‘Herald of Ice’ and ‘Herald of Thunder’ being mandatory, alongside ‘Eternal Fury/Berserk’ for constant damage amplification and ‘Debris Cleaner’ for infinite shooting.
Equipment-wise, players should prioritize items with the “Gain #% of damage as extra physical damage” modifier. Cineaikuo gloves, gemless rings, and a rare belt (potentially a Headhunter) are recommended. Armor should focus on evasion and energy shield, with Viper and Eshil bases being popular choices. Spirit requirements are around 237, but can be optimized to around 200 with careful gem selection.
Is This Build Right For You? The Pros and Cons
This build isn’t without its drawbacks. The creator is upfront about its lower cost-effectiveness compared to explosion + grenade builds and its performance gap compared to meta options like Dokpaepa, COC Oracle, and Blackme. It also requires a siege-like playstyle, demanding players get close to enemies, and can be challenging to gear for high-end tanking.
However, the advantages are compelling. It offers a satisfying, “one-button” playstyle with low fatigue, making it ideal for extended play sessions. The chain explosions are visually impressive and provide a rewarding sense of power. And, crucially, it’s a viable option for players who want to jump into the season without spending a fortune.
This build isn’t about chasing the absolute highest DPS numbers; it’s about enjoying the game and finding a fun, effective way to progress. It’s a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Path of Exile 2 community, and a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding builds are the ones that defy conventional wisdom. For players looking for a fresh, engaging experience, this ‘Dual Herald’ grenade build is definitely worth exploring. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more Path of Exile 2 guides, builds, and breaking news as the season unfolds.